Sun Care
by Buck Tilton

From sandy tropical beaches to lofty mountain summits, sun protection is an outdoor recreation imperative.
Skin cancer caused by sun overexposure has emerged as a major health issue around the world and is by far the most common cancer in the United States. At the very least, a bad sunburn causes pain, discomfort and dehydration – and has ruined many vacations in the sun.

Preventing Sun Related Problems
UV Rays – What You Don’t See Can Hurt You.
Sun-related problems are among the most preventable of outdoor illnesses and injuries. Below are some tips when planning an outdoor excursion.

• The first line of defense is worn. Tight-weave clothing blocks a large amount of UV radiation, especially if it stays reasonably dry. Choose darker colored fabrics because they tend to block more UV rays than lighter-colored clothing.
  
• A full-brimmed hat will shade face and neck, and a floppy brim breaks up scattered UV better than a rigid brim.
  
• Sunscreens such as Reflect dramatically reduce the chance of skin problems. Although most experts agree that screens with a SPF of 15 sufficiently protect most skin, recent studies show that higher SPF numbers offer additional protection, especially in the first few hours of exposure. Sunscreens are most effective if applied when the skin is warm and allowed to soak in for about half an hour before extreme exposure. People with very susceptible skin types might do better to completely block UV radiation from exposed skin with an opaque substance such as zinc oxide.
  
• Limit your time in the sun. Ultraviolet A bombards the earth at an almost constant rate throughout the day, but approximately 80 percent of UVB strikes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For minimum exposure, plan to be in the sun early and late in the day.
  
• Smoke absorbs UV radiation, but clouds do not. Cool, overcast days in the summer are dangerous because UVR penetrates the densest cloud cover, while heat-carrying infrared waves are filtered out. People feel cool, fail to take precautions, and often get severe sunburns.
  
• Wind will dry skin, removing the natural skin protection of urocanic acid. Wind does not truly burn skin, but it makes skin more susceptible to sunburn and irritates already sunburned skin, a problem often called "windburn."
  
• Activities associated with water increase the risk of serious sunburn since sunlight bouncing off the water’s surface attacks exposed skin. The more directly the sun is overhead, the more the reflectivity. Rough, choppy water is much more reflective than calm water. Snow is also highly reflective, reflecting as much as 85 percent as much light as water.
  
• Altitude is another factor. For every 1,000 feet above sea level, UVR increases about five to six percent.
  
• Consult your physician or pharmacist about medications that make skin more sensitive to sun: tetracyclines, antihistamines, sulfa drugs, diuretics, and some oral contraceptives.
  
• Wear sunglasses that absorb or reflect UV light. UV light damages eyes as well as skin. The conjunctiva can swell from UV exposure, sun-induced cataracts can form from repeated exposure, and direct UVR will burn the retina.
  
• Teach children well. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80 percent of lifetime exposure to skin-damaging UV light occurs during the first 18-20 years of life.
  
  

Using Sunscreen
The most important rule when playing, working or sitting in the sun? Use a sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. In recent studies, the EPA has shown that SPF ratings higher than 30 give very little added benefit with respect to sun protection. Following the guidelines below will help you enjoy the sun over the long haul.

• Use sunscreen for protection, not in place of it.
  
• Choose a water-resistant sunscreen, such as Reflect SPF 30, that will not wash off as easily.
  
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or rigorous activity.
  
• Sunscreens work best if applied liberally on warm, dry skin and allowed to soak in 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
  
• Protect your lips, nose and face with a sunscreen, such as Reflect Sun Stick SPF 22.
  
• When venturing into areas of higher insect infestation, apply sunscreen under insect repellent or use a combination sunscreen/insect repellent such as Repel Sun & Bug Stuff.
  
  

UV Rays
What you can’t see can hurt you
Without the sun, life simply could not exist. It provides warmth and light and is essential to us and the environment. However, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can damage skin and eyes. Ultraviolet rays fall into three groups:

• UVA - Ulraviolet A is beneficial in low doses but may increase the chance of cancer in higher doses.
  
• UVB - Ultraviolet B is primarily responsible for sunburn and cancer.
  
• UVC - Ultraviolet C is the shortest and most dangerous. UVC rays contain enough energy to damage DNA in living skin and eye cells. DNA controls the ability of cells to heal and reproduce.